College Sports Information Directors of America

CSC Achievement Award
Presented annually to two College Sports Communicators members – one in the University Division (NCAA DI) and one in the College Division (NCAA DII, DIII, NAIA, Two-year Colleges, Canadian institutions) – currently serving in the role of an associate or assistant director in the athletics communications field who have made outstanding contributions to the field of athletics communications and provided exceptional service to their institution, conference office or intercollegiate athletics affiliated association.

A nominee must have 10-or-more years of experience in the athletics communications profession and must have not served in the lead role overseeing an athletics communications office. This award is designed for an individual who has not been a recipient of any prestigious CSC major award (Arch Ward, Warren Berg, Hall of Fame) in their careers. Voted on by the Special Awards Committee.

Dain McKee — Middlebury College Athletic Communications Associate
CSC Achievement Award (College Division)

Dain McKee rejoined the athletic communications staff at Middlebury College in January of 2022 as the athletic communications associate, after previously serving as the assistant director of athletic communications for six years.

He began his career in the profession as a student assistant at Ohio Northern from 1998 to 2003. He then held roles as assistant SID at Kenyon College, The College of Wooster, Christopher Newport and Case Western Reserve, before going to Middlebury. 

He serves on the CSC Job Seekers Committee and membership recognition Committee, while having previously served on the Goodwill and Wellness Committee and Publications Committee.

Lisa Champagne, NESCAC Assistant Director for Media Relations, CSC 25-Year Award (2023), CSC Hall of Fame (2024): "It is great to see Dain receive this recognition from College Sports Communicators and his fellow athletic communications peers. Dain is committed to promoting the Middlebury student-athletes, coaches, and staff he works with. His kindness and willingness to help others are two qualities that have stood out to me as a colleague in the NESCAC."

Ali Paquette, Middlebury College Assistant Athletic Director / Director of Athletic Communications, D3SIDA President, CSC Rising Star Award (2022): "It is wonderful to see Dain receive such elite recognition from our national organization and our peers. Dain is an incredible colleague who is deeply passionate and committed to promoting our student-athletes. Throughout his time at Middlebury, he has formed strong relationships with our coaches, staff and student-athletes. As a lifelong learner, Dain is always looking for ways to enhance the Athletic communications dDepartment and make an impact. Dain is a kind and caring individual who is constantly helping others and always has his door open to listen. I am very grateful to have Dain as a colleague and friend, and I am thrilled that he will be honored on the national stage for all of his outstanding work."

Katharine DeLorenzo, Middlebury College Head Field Hockey Coach / Assistant Athletic Director / Senior Woman Administrator: "We are all grateful for Dain’s tireless work and enthusiasm for his teams here at Middlebury. Dain takes great pride in his work providing support to our coaches and to the student-athletes competing for Middlebury. He shows his love for his work in athletic communications through the quality and the consistency of his service to our department. We are proud of Dain for representing Middlebury for so long and so well throughout his time here."


 
McKee on receiving an Achievement Award…
"I am truly humbled, blessed and honored to be recognized by CSC with the 2025 Achievement Award for the College Division. I am grateful that I am a member of a hard-working and professional family at Middlebury as well as throughout the NESCAC. I have been very fortunate to have mentors and colleagues throughout my career who have molded and shaped me into the person and the professional I am today. I am blessed to work with our 31 varsity athletic programs at Middlebury, fostering relationships with our coaching staffs and student-athletes that will last a lifetime. I am also thankful to be supported by my family and friends, including my four amazing children, who have sacrificed time with me so I can pursue promoting Middlebury Athletics."